Rutgers QB Gary Nova, with help of Ralph Friedgen, determined to make most of senior year

Rutgers quarterback Gary Nova started spring practice as one of five co-starters but leaves it with the lead in the race to start the season-opener. (Mark Sullivan/MyCentralJersey.com)

PISCATAWAY — Gary Nova was the first Rutgers football quarterback to take the field Saturday, and if nothing drastic changes between now and then he will be first up again when the season begins.

Nova didn’t dazzle during the Scarlet-White Game but he continued to make smart decisions – all coach Kyle Flood really wants to see – and show that his level of game experience puts him head-and-shoulders above the two challengers for a job he once securely held but has been fighting to regain since Nov. 21.

“If we had to play today, Gary would be our starter,” said Flood, who benched Nova for the final three games of last season. “We’re not ready to name a starter just yet.”

Rutgers does not begin its inaugural Big Ten season for another 124 days – a fact not lost on Nova when the senior was asked about his reaction to being declared the leader in a race with rising redshirt junior Mike Bimonte and redshirt freshman Chris Laviano heading into training camp.

“The season doesn’t start today,” Nova said. “It’s good to see that he is seeing that I’m getting better. I’ve just got to continue to lead these guys, and when he makes his decision be ready to fill that role.”

Nova finished 6 of 13 for 78 yards with a rushing touchdown in White’s 21-0 victory in front of 11,500 at High Point Solutions Stadium, but his practice numbers are just as important at this time of year. Flood said Nova threw one interception all spring and Nova said he completed about 68 percent of passes.

“He’s protecting the football and I think his location has been good,” Flood said. “Do I think it could be better? I do. He still has room to improve. I’m very pleased with the progress. He is a better quarterback today than he was at the end of the season.”

To Nova’s credit, his latest improvements come after swallowing his pride when he opened camp as a co-starter with four others – none of whom ever had taken a college snap – in a move perhaps made to light a fire under a team captain whose career signature thus far includes fast starts and poor finishes.

About Ryan Dunleavy

Ryan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.

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About the Author

Jerry CarinoJerry Carino has covered sports for the Gannett New Jersey newspapers since 1996 and has been on the college basketball beat since 2003. A native of Old Bridge, he also teaches journalism at Kean University.E-mail Jerry

Josh NewmanJosh Newman has worked for the Press since September 2004 and began covering Shore Conference sports full time in September 2006. He is a 2004 graduate of Springfield College with a degree in communications/sports journalism.E-mail Josh

Ryan DunleavyRyan Dunleavy has covered Rutgers athletics for more than a decade, dating back to his days as a student at his alma mater. He became New Jersey Press Media’s Rutgers women’s basketball beat writer in 2009 and Rutgers football beat writer in 2013. Since joining the staff in 2004, the Morris County native also has covered the NFL, MLB, NBA, the Somerset Patriots and high school sports.E-mail Ryan